Van Allan Zinsmeyer Sr.

Van was a man who found happiness in the simple things in life. He loved wildlife, being outdoors, looking up at the stars and moon, listening to Pink Floyd, and spending time with the people he loved. He had a quiet way about him and was happiest when life wasn't overly complicated.

Above all, Van loved his family.

He was a father, grandfather, and a deeply important part of the lives of those closest to him. He shared a special relationship with his grandchildren, Kayden and Kylene, and took pride in showing up for their school activities and home games and simply being part of their lives. He loved his daughter-in-law, Echo, as though she were his own daughter.

His sons, Dustin and Van, each shared their own relationship with their dad and carry memories and lessons from him that belong uniquely to them.

For Dustin, Dad was much more than a father. He was a trusted friend and confidant—the person on the other end of countless conversations about life, family, work, ideas, and sometimes nothing particularly important at all. Those ordinary conversations became some of the most meaningful moments, and their absence is deeply felt.

For Van, Dad was also a teacher. He taught him how to weld, how to bid fabrication jobs, and many of the skills that helped shape the man he became. More importantly, he passed along a strong work ethic—the value of knowing how to work with your hands, solve problems, and take pride in what you do. Those lessons became more than things Dad taught him; they became a part of Van that he will carry with him for the rest of his life.

In his later years, Van remained close to his family and became part of the everyday rhythm of their lives. It was the ordinary moments—conversations, visits, shared stories, laughter, and simply knowing he was there—that became some of the most meaningful. His absence is now felt in those same everyday moments.

Van's life was filled with memories and relationships that mattered deeply. His family will remember him for the years they shared together—the conversations, stories, music, moments outside, time with his grandchildren, lessons passed from father to sons, and all the seemingly ordinary days that now mean so much more.

Van will be deeply missed by his family and by those who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life honoring Van will be held on October 17, 2026. Family and friends are invited to come together to remember him, share stories, and celebrate the life he lived. Those interested in joining, please reach out to Dustin at (512) 698-9090 for further details of the celebration.

And somewhere beneath a clear night sky, with Pink Floyd playing in the background, we'll think of him.